Do you think most writers are introverts?
71I think the best way to answer this question is to quote my favorite philosophy professor from college (that would be Dr. Walter Ludwig at St. Joe's in Maine). I can't recall which philosopher he was quoting, but he said the only general statement you can make about people is that you can't make general statements about people. In that regard, I would hesitate to say that most writers are introverts. That said, I have met many writers who find it easiest to express their thoughts, fears, and other emotions through the written word, so certainly there are introverted writers out there. The beauty of writing, I think, is that it affords people the flexibility to express themselves. Some brilliant students or writers may have a deep-seated fear of speaking in public, but they can write a beautiful, polished piece of literature.
UPDATE
Since I originally posted this hub, I've had cause to think more about this subject. In my case, I have had what amounts to a roller coaster ride when it comes to the concept of introspection. When I was a child, I was painfully shy, a trait that continued into my twenties. In time, however, I discovered that my shyness was holding me back from achieving some of my most deeply held goals.
That was a time in my life when I decided to take the bull by the horns and tried to overcome my shyness. I am pleased to report that I believe I accomplished that objective.
A few years ago, however, I endured a severe trauma. I won't go into details here, but suffice to say, I was assaulted and nearly killed. There is this terrible condition that I like to call the Incredible Hulk Syndrome, which psychiatric professionals prefer to call Intermittent Explosive Disorder.
People with this condition have a temper that can flare from 0-100 in about 2 seconds flat. It is commonly found in folks who, like me, have suffered severe head trauma. I have learned skills to manage this condition, but I am sad to say that it will probably be with me the rest of my life.
What does this have to do with being introverted? Since I came to terms with this issue, I have discovered that there are times when I am best left alone. It is during those times that I need to become more reflective, spend some time separated from the human race, and try to focus on what is causing my mood to swing.
In that regard, although I know that I cannot remain in a shell indefinitely, there is a forced sense of introversion when I'm having a rough time.
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Comments
Its is so much easier to put pen to paper I reckon. Not always in the correct english and punctuation though.
I think Aristotle might shed some light on the subject. He said, "For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." Unfortunately lots of writers learn how to write and never learn to express themselves except with the written word. A good writer must be able to think and communicate in clear lucid language. They could learn to communicate the same verbally ... but only by doing it. Public speaking is regarded as the number one fear of most adults. I believe the reason is so few ever do enough to get comfortable with speaking before a group.
While writers may be more comfortable with their wordprocessor, I believe we get into the habit of expressing our self in one media. The most economically successful writers are also good marketers. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen come to mind - Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
I agree that sweeping generalizations are often wrong. But most people do get into their comfort zone and stay there.
I'm like you Shirley :)
Some indidivuals process language neurologically more easily through writing or typing that speaking. Sometimes speaking will unlock ideas, though. It's an individual thing - some writers have to get up and walk around and verbalize a few sentences before an idea or the ending to a chapter gels.
Some great writers have been alcoholics or ill in other ways; writing was great therapy for them, also producing incredible works. Some were more introverted, some extraverted. It's all a continuum, not a point on a line, imo. And fascinating.
Maybe most good writers are introverts. But I know some writers who are extoverts too.
True that you can't bunch every writer under a category. What I'd like to add, though, is that the lady who asked the question about writers being introverts is standing at a dangerous crossroad. Writers, especially introverts, tend to attract tragedy in personal life, in order to maintain creativity. You might not do it intentionally, but it still happens. Look up some 'art therapy' links on Google.
Thanks Peeling! Good to see you, by the way. :)
It depends on whether he/she wants to express or impress?
Interesting, Peeling. Thanks for your concern.
I found a website called Introvert Energy that inspired this question. At this site, http://www.introvertenergy.com/isthisyou.php, Nancy Okerlund, founder of Introvert Energy, claims that introverts are actually wired differently than extroverts and that part of what we need to value is our own way of being in the world, versus trying to fit into the 75% majority world of extroverts who dominate our society.
Thus my new Hub was written, titled "introverts anonymous!"
Interesting - there is some truth to the "wiring" theory.
You know, I think it's sort of ironic that on a page like this, addressing the notion that writers are introverts, that I should get a dozen comments. None of the rest of my hubs have gotten this many comments! Go figure!
Jim Henry
I am an introverted extrovert; or is that an extroverted introvert?! As I writer, I need the solitude that activity brings, but I also need the food of being around people, and talking and sharing. I love teaching AND I love curling up with a good book and a "Don't Bother Me!" sign on my door.
Crash, I honestly think an extrovert writer must be a very rare thing!
The reason I say that is - I've tried being a full-time writer and it drives me nuts. Why? Because I'm like Beth - I'm shy, but I need people around me to feel happy and motivated. If I have too much solitary time, I feel isolated and demotivated. And I'm an extroverted introvert, not a true extrovert. So I can't imagine a true extrovert managing to get much writing done at all.
Jim, what a beautifully written hub. I am also a shy person, but like you, I have been trying to conquer some of that shyness. I find though that there are classes of personalities that I have a difficult time getting along with. The environment, and the people around me also affects my level of shyness. For example, in a club I tend to be less shy, than at a conference. Alcohol definitely helps :)
I find this interesting because as a writer and an artist, I'm curious where I fall - I took the Myers Briggs test and fall just a bit over into the introvert category - most people think of me as outgoing, but the truth is I need lots of down and alone time or I get very grouchy - I really need a break from the demands of other people! Also, writers need time to think and to read! And then we need to process what we think about and are reading, and of course, we then need time to put it all down in writing! Kartika
Shirley Anderson says:
2 years ago
I agree with you. I have a difficult time expressing clearly in the verbal....I much, much prefer the written word to the spoken. It's much more comfortable. My brain has a direct line to the pen and keyboard - skips the mouth.